Zucchini
Cucurbita pepo
Also known as: courgette, green squash
Prolific summer squash harvested young for best flavor. Bush habit makes it easier to manage than vining squash.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
2–3 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow (Spring)
1–9 weeks after last frost
Transplant Outdoors
1–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
4–8 days
Days to Harvest
45–65 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 3–11
Frost sensitive. Harvest at 6-8 inches for best texture.
Companion Plants
Good Companions (9)
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Repels squash bugs and aphids from zucchini
Confidence: High
Corn
Zea mays
Provides windbreak and structure; compatible planting
Confidence: Medium
Green Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Three sisters variant: beans fix nitrogen for squash
Confidence: Medium
Marigold
Tagetes spp.
Attracts pollinators needed for squash fruit set
Confidence: Medium
Radish
Raphanus sativus
May deter squash vine borers as a trap crop
Confidence: Medium
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Attracts pollinators critical for squash fruit set
Confidence: Medium
Borage
Borago officinalis
Attracts pollinators and may deter squash pests
Confidence: Medium
Dill
Anethum graveolens
Attracts beneficial predatory insects
Confidence: Medium
Pole Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Squash shades soil and retains moisture for beans
Confidence: Medium